M.R. “Mert” Way, 90, of Somerville, arrived in heaven on July 23, 2023, after passing from this life peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Maurice Richard Way was born October 17, 1932, in Morton, Texas, to parents, Raymond and Larue Way.
He grew up working in the fruit and vegetable market with his Dad.
He married Beatrice Kincaid in 1952, and they had four children: Jerry, Jan, Cindy and Shelley.
He worked in the oil fields in West Texas for many years, moving to the Bryan/College Station area in 1982.
He married the love of his life, Shirley Wilson, April 11, 1983, and gained six more children: Retha, David, Shannon, Robin, Shellie and Lee.
After retiring from the oil and gas business, he and Shirley owned the Swap Shop in Caldwell for several years.
If you knew him, you knew that he loved God, his family and friends, and his country. He loved to help people, and spent many hours cooking for benefits, collecting toys for toy rides and giving back to his community.
He was a champion pool player for many years, and an excellent cook as well, winning many trophies in tournaments and cook off competitions. He once won a “golden gloves” award in boxing.
He fell in love with riding motorcycles as a young man, and rode as long as he could, until he was 89. He enjoyed riding with Christian MotorcycleAssociation, Lake Loons, and Phalanx RC, Distorted MC, among others.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Sue; his brother, Melvin; his sons, Jerry, and David; his daughters, Shelley, Robin, and Shannon; and three grandchildren, Rocky, Sierra and Tabitha.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley; his daughters, Jan and husband, Pat Ehmann, Cindy and husband, Tim Doggette, Retha and husband, Charlie Beauchamp, Shellie Lawhon and companion, Ronnie Nesbitt; son, Lee Trumbull and wife, Lai; granddaughters, Kim, Jodie, Amber, Tarah, Shayna, Stephanie, Candice, Mary, Jessica, Leticia, Stormie, Nia and Kayla; grandsons, Chris, Casey, William, Harley, Justin, Ricky, Adam, Zachary, Jeremiah, Jesse, Jason, James, Tristan, Nicholas and Frederick; and sonin- law, Michael Smith; and daughter-in-law, Barbara Way.
He was a loving Papa, Peepaw, or Pop to a multitude of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren, most of whom will fondly remember him singing “The Chocolate Ice Cream Cone” song, and singing karaoke.
He was also an “adopted Dad” to many others, and shared his love and wisdom unconditionally. He was blessed with extended family, and many friends who became family, and we were all so blessed to be his.
A special “thank you” to Brazos Valley Hospice for their unwavering support and care during these past months. You made our Dad’s last days much brighter and more comfortable and for that we are so grateful.
And a huge “thank you” to his friends at Distorted MC, who made “Mert’s Last Ride” one of his best. He loved every minute of that.
A memorial ride will be September 2, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and a Potluck Lunch and Celebration of Life will be held from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the VFW in Caldwell.
Life is a journey~make it a good ride. We think he did just that.